Directed by Hitomi Kamanaka, Ashes to Honey tells the story of the long struggle by a local community on Iwai Island against plans for a nuclear power plant. This protest against the plant predates the 2011 nuclear accident at Fukushima by two decades and, at present, plans for construction are on hold.

The documentary looks at the experience in Sweden where a referendum resulted in the country abandoning nuclear power and pursuing a sustainable energy future. Could the same thing ever happen in Japan? What energy pathway should the people of Japan follow? What form of governance should we have regarding nuclear power and energy issues in general?

Rokkasho Rhapsody explores the lives of people living near the Rokkasho Village (Rokkashomura) reprocessing plant that converts spent fuel from nuclear reactors into plutonium.

The event will be chaired by Anne McDonald (Sophia University); Luis Patron (filmmaker at the UN University) will be a discussant. The screening of parts of both film will be preceded by a short introduction from the director, Hitomi Kamanaka. After the screening, there will be a question-and-answer session.

Attendance is free, but advance registration is required (use the “REGISTER” button above).